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Costa SR, Vasconcelos AG, Almeida JOCS, Arcanjo DDR, Dematei A, Barbosa EA, Silva PC, Nascimento T, Santos LH, Eaton P, Leite JRSDA, Brand GD. Structural Characterization and Rat Aortic Vascular Reactivity of Bradykinin-Potentiating Peptides (BPPs) from the Snake Venom of Bothrops moojeni from Delta do Parnaíba Region, Brazil. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2024. [PMID: 38449376 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.3c00991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Snake venoms contain various bradykinin-potentiating peptides (BPPs). First studied for their vasorelaxant properties due to angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition, these molecules present a range of binding partners, among them the argininosuccinate synthase (AsS) enzyme. This has renewed interest in their characterization from biological sources and the evaluation of their pharmacological activities. In the present work, the low molecular weight fraction of Bothrops moojeni venom was obtained and BPPs were characterized by mass spectrometry. Eleven BPPs or related peptides were sequenced, and one of them, BPP-Bm01, was new. Interestingly, some oxidized BPPs were detected. The three most abundant peptides were BPP-Bm01, BPP-Bax12, and BPP-13a, and their putative interactions with the AsS enzyme were investigated in silico. A binding cavity for these molecules was predicted, and docking studies allowed their ranking. Three peptides were synthesized and submitted to vasorelaxation assays using rat aortic rings. While all BPPs were active, BPP-Bm01 showed the highest potency in this assay. This work adds further diversity to BPPs from snake venoms and suggests, for the first time, a putative binding pocket for these molecules in the AsS enzyme. This can guide the design of new and more potent AsS activators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel R Costa
- Laboratório de Síntese e Análise de Biomoléculas, LSAB, Instituto de Química, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Andreanne G Vasconcelos
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Morfologia e Imunologia Aplicada (NuPMIA), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - José Otávio C S Almeida
- LAFMOL-Laboratório de Estudos Funcionais e Moleculares em Fisiofarmacologia, Departamento de Biofísica e Fisiologia, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina 64049-550, Brazil
| | - Daniel D R Arcanjo
- LAFMOL-Laboratório de Estudos Funcionais e Moleculares em Fisiofarmacologia, Departamento de Biofísica e Fisiologia, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina 64049-550, Brazil
| | - Anderson Dematei
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Morfologia e Imunologia Aplicada (NuPMIA), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Eder A Barbosa
- Laboratório de Síntese e Análise de Biomoléculas, LSAB, Instituto de Química, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Pedro Costa Silva
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia, Biotec, Universidade Federal do Delta do Parnaíba, UFDPAR, Parnaíba, Piauí 64202-020, Brazil
| | - Thiago Nascimento
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia, Biotec, Universidade Federal do Delta do Parnaíba, UFDPAR, Parnaíba, Piauí 64202-020, Brazil
| | - Lucianna H Santos
- Biomolecular Simulations Group, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay
| | - Peter Eaton
- The Bridge, Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Chemistry, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7EL, U.K
| | - José Roberto S de A Leite
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Morfologia e Imunologia Aplicada (NuPMIA), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia, Biotec, Universidade Federal do Delta do Parnaíba, UFDPAR, Parnaíba, Piauí 64202-020, Brazil
| | - Guilherme D Brand
- Laboratório de Síntese e Análise de Biomoléculas, LSAB, Instituto de Química, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
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Alberto-Silva C, Pantaleão HQ, da Silva BR, da Silva JCA, Echeverry MB. Activation of M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors by proline-rich oligopeptide 7a (<EDGPIPP) from Bothrops jararaca snake venom rescues oxidative stress-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2024; 30:e20230043. [PMID: 38362565 PMCID: PMC10868729 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2023-0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The bioactive peptides derived from snake venoms of the Viperidae family species have been promising as therapeutic candidates for neuroprotection due to their ability to prevent neuronal cell loss, injury, and death. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the cytoprotective effects of a synthetic proline-rich oligopeptide 7a (PRO-7a; Methods Both cells were pre-treated for four hours with different concentrations of PRO-7a, submitted to H2O2-induced damage for 20 h, and then the oxidative stress markers were analyzed. Also, two independent neuroprotective mechanisms were investigated: a) L-arginine metabolite generation via argininosuccinate synthetase (AsS) activity regulation to produce agmatine or polyamines with neuroprotective properties; b) M1 mAChR receptor subtype activation pathway to reduce oxidative stress and neuron injury. Results PRO-7a was not cytoprotective in C6 cells, but potentiated the H2O2-induced damage to cell integrity at a concentration lower than 0.38 μM. However, PRO-7a at 1.56 µM, on the other hand, modified H2O2-induced toxicity in PC12 cells by restoring cell integrity, mitochondrial metabolism, ROS generation, and arginase indirect activity. The α-Methyl-DL-aspartic acid (MDLA) and L-NΩ-Nitroarginine methyl ester (L-Name), specific inhibitors of AsS and nitric oxide synthase (NOS), which catalyzes the synthesis of polyamines and NO from L-arginine, did not suppress PRO-7a-mediated cytoprotection against oxidative stress. It suggested that its mechanism is independent of the production of L-arginine metabolites with neuroprotective properties by increased AsS activity. On the other hand, the neuroprotective effect of PRO-7a was blocked in the presence of dicyclomine hydrochloride (DCH), an M1 mAChR antagonist. Conclusions For the first time, this work provides evidence that PRO-7a-induced neuroprotection seems to be mediated through M1 mAChR activation in PC12 cells, which reduces oxidative stress independently of AsS activity and L-arginine bioavailability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Alberto-Silva
- Natural and Humanities Sciences Center (CCNH), Experimental
Morphophysiology Laboratory, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo do
Campo, SP, Brazil
| | - Halyne Queiroz Pantaleão
- Natural and Humanities Sciences Center (CCNH), Experimental
Morphophysiology Laboratory, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo do
Campo, SP, Brazil
| | - Brenda Rufino da Silva
- Natural and Humanities Sciences Center (CCNH), Experimental
Morphophysiology Laboratory, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo do
Campo, SP, Brazil
| | - Julio Cezar Araujo da Silva
- Natural and Humanities Sciences Center (CCNH), Experimental
Morphophysiology Laboratory, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo do
Campo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcela Bermudez Echeverry
- Center for Mathematics, Computation and Cognition (CMCC), Federal
University of ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brazil
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Pantaleão HQ, Araujo da Silva JC, Rufino da Silva B, Echeverry MB, Alberto-Silva C. Peptide fraction from B. jararaca snake venom protects against oxidative stress-induced changes in neuronal PC12 cell but not in astrocyte-like C6 cell. Toxicon 2023; 231:107178. [PMID: 37302421 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Venom-derived proteins and peptides have prevented neuronal cell loss, damage, and death in the study of neurodegenerative disorders. The cytoprotective effects of the peptide fraction (PF) from Bothrops jararaca snake venom were evaluated against oxidative stress changes in neuronal PC12 cells and astrocyte-like C6 cells. PC12 and C6 cells were pre-treated for 4 h with different concentrations of PF, and then H2O2 was added (0.5 mM in PC12 cells; 0.4 mM in C6 cells) and incubated for 20 h more. In PC12 cells, PF at 0.78 μg mL-1 increased viability (113.6 ± 6.3%) and metabolism (96.3 ± 10.3%) cell against H2O2-induced neurotoxicity (75.6 ± 5.8%; 66.5 ± 3.3%, respectively), reducing oxidative stress markers such as ROS generation, NO production, and arginase indirect activity through urea synthesis. Despite that, PF showed no cytoprotective effects in C6 cells, but potentiated the H2O2-induced damage at a concentration lower than 0.07 μg mL-1. Furthermore, the role of metabolites derived from L-arginine metabolism was verified in PF-mediated neuroprotection in PC12 cells, using specific inhibitors of two of the key enzymes in the L-arginine metabolic pathway: the α-Methyl-DL-aspartic acid (MDLA) to argininosuccinate synthetase (AsS), responsible for the recycling of L-citrulline to L-arginine; and, L-NΩ-Nitroarginine methyl ester (L-Name) to nitric oxide synthase (NOS), which catalyzes the synthesis of NO from L-arginine. The inhibition of AsS and NOS suppressed PF-mediated cytoprotection against oxidative stress, indicating that its mechanism is dependent on the production pathway of L-arginine metabolites such as NO and, more importantly, polyamines from ornithine metabolism, which are involved in the neuroprotection mechanism described in the literature. Overall, this work provides novel opportunities for evaluating whether the neuroprotective properties of PF shown in particular neuronal cells are sustained and for exploring potential drug development pathways for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halyne Queiroz Pantaleão
- Natural and Humanities Sciences Center (CCNH), Experimental Morphophysiology Laboratory Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo Do Campo, 09606-070, SP, Brazil
| | - Julio Cezar Araujo da Silva
- Natural and Humanities Sciences Center (CCNH), Experimental Morphophysiology Laboratory Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo Do Campo, 09606-070, SP, Brazil
| | - Brenda Rufino da Silva
- Natural and Humanities Sciences Center (CCNH), Experimental Morphophysiology Laboratory Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo Do Campo, 09606-070, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcela Bermudez Echeverry
- Center for Mathematics, Computation and Cognition (CMCC), UFABC, São Bernardo Do Campo, 09606-070, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos Alberto-Silva
- Natural and Humanities Sciences Center (CCNH), Experimental Morphophysiology Laboratory Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo Do Campo, 09606-070, SP, Brazil.
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Zhao Y, Chen Y, Wei L, Ran J, Wang K, Zhu S, Liu Q. p53 inhibits the Urea cycle and represses polyamine biosynthesis in glioma cell lines. Metab Brain Dis 2023; 38:1143-1153. [PMID: 36745250 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-023-01173-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Glioma is the most common malignant tumor of the central nervous system. The urea cycle (UC) is an essential pathway to convert excess nitrogen and ammonia into the less toxic urea in humans. However, less is known about the functional significance of the urea cycle in glioma. p53 functions as a tumor suppressor and modulates several cellular functions and disease processes. In the present study, we aimed to explore whether p53 influences glioma progression by regulating the urea cycle. Here, we demonstrated the inhibitory impact of p53 on the expression of urea cycle enzymes and urea genesis in glioma cells. The level of polyamine, a urea cycle metabolite, was also regulated by p53 in glioma cells. Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase-1 (CPS1) is the first key enzyme involved in the urea cycle. Functionally, we demonstrated that CPS1 knockdown suppressed glioma cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that the expression of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), which determines the generation of polyamine, was regulated by CPS1. In addition, the impacts of p53 knockdown on ODC expression, glioma cell growth and aggressive phenotypes were significantly reversed by CPS1 inhibition. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that p53 inhibits polyamine metabolism by suppressing the urea cycle, which inhibits glioma progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhong Zhao
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University Basic Medical College, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yingxi Chen
- Department of basic Medicine, Chongqing College of traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, 402760, PR China
| | - Ling Wei
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University Basic Medical College, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jianhua Ran
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University Basic Medical College, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Kejian Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University Basic Medical College, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Shujuan Zhu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University Basic Medical College, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University Basic Medical College, Chongqing, 400016, China.
- Department of basic Medicine, Chongqing College of traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, 402760, PR China.
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Hayashi MAF, Campeiro JD, Yonamine CM. Revisiting the potential of South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus toxins as therapeutic, theranostic and/or biotechnological agents. Toxicon 2021; 206:1-13. [PMID: 34896407 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The potential biotechnological and biomedical applications of the animal venom components are widely recognized. Indeed, many components have been used either as drugs or as templates/prototypes for the development of innovative pharmaceutical drugs, among which many are still used for the treatment of human diseases. A specific South American rattlesnake, named Crotalus durissus terrificus, shows a venom composition relatively simpler compared to any viper or other snake species belonging to the Crotalus genus, although presenting a set of toxins with high potential for the treatment of several still unmet human therapeutic needs, as reviewed in this work. In addition to the main toxin named crotoxin, which is under clinical trials studies for antitumoral therapy and which has also anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activities, other toxins from the C. d. terrificus venom are also being studied, aiming for a wide variety of therapeutic applications, including as antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, antitumoral or antiparasitic agent, or as modulator of animal metabolism, fibrin sealant (fibrin glue), gene carrier or theranostic agent. Among these rattlesnake toxins, the most relevant, considering the potential clinical applications, are crotamine, crotalphine and gyroxin. In this narrative revision, we propose to organize and present briefly the updates in the accumulated knowledge on potential therapeutic applications of toxins collectively found exclusively in the venom of this specific South American rattlesnake, with the objective of contributing to increase the chances of success in the discovery of drugs based on toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirian A F Hayashi
- Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), SP, Brazil.
| | - Joana D Campeiro
- Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), SP, Brazil
| | - Camila M Yonamine
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), SP, Brazil.
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Gouda AS, Mégarbane B. Snake venom-derived bradykinin-potentiating peptides: A promising therapy for COVID-19? Drug Dev Res 2020; 82:38-48. [PMID: 32761647 PMCID: PMC7436322 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐COV‐2), a novel coronavirus responsible for the recent infectious pandemic, is known to downregulate angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐2 (ACE2). Most current investigations focused on SARS‐COV‐2‐related effects on the renin–angiotensin system and especially the resultant increase in angiotensin II, neglecting its effects on the kinin–kallikrein system. SARS‐COV‐2‐induced ACE2 inhibition leads to the augmentation of bradykinin 1‐receptor effects, as ACE2 inactivates des‐Arg9‐bradykinin, a bradykinin metabolite. SARS‐COV‐2 also decreases bradykinin 2‐receptor effects as it affects bradykinin synthesis by inhibiting cathepsin L, a kininogenase present at the site of infection and involved in bradykinin production. The physiologies of both the renin–angiotensin and kinin–kallikrein system are functionally related suggesting that any intervention aiming to treat SARS‐COV‐2‐infected patients by triggering one system but ignoring the other may not be adequately effective. Interestingly, the snake‐derived bradykinin‐potentiating peptide (BPP‐10c) acts on both systems. BPP‐10c strongly decreases angiotensin II by inhibiting ACE, increasing bradykinin‐related effects on the bradykinin 2‐receptor and increasing nitric oxide‐mediated effects. Based on a narrative review of the literature, we suggest that BPP‐10c could be an optimally effective option to consider when aiming at developing an anti‐SARS‐COV‐2 drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed S Gouda
- National Egyptian Center for Toxicological Researches, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Bruno Mégarbane
- Department of Medical and Toxicological Critical Care, Lariboisière Hospital, University of Paris, INSERM UMRS-1144, Paris, France
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Protective effects of distinct proline-rich oligopeptides from B. jararaca snake venom against oxidative stress-induced neurotoxicity. Toxicon 2019; 167:29-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Querobino SM, Ribeiro CAJ, Alberto-Silva C. Bradykinin-potentiating PEPTIDE-10C, an argininosuccinate synthetase activator, protects against H 2O 2-induced oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Peptides 2018; 103:90-97. [PMID: 29605732 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2018.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Bradykinin-potentiating peptides (BPPs - 5a, 7a, 9a, 10c, 11e, and 12b) of Bothrops jararaca (Bj) were described as argininosuccinate synthase (AsS) activators, improving l-arginine availability. Agmatine and polyamines, which are l-arginine metabolism products, have neuroprotective properties. Here, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of low molecular mass fraction from Bj venom (LMMF) and two synthetic BPPs (BPP-10c, <ENWPHPQIPP; BPP-12b, <EWGRPPGPPIPP) in the SH-SY5Y cell line against H2O2-induced oxidative stress. The neuroprotective effects against H2O2-induced were analyzed by reactive oxygen species (ROS - DCFH) production; lipid peroxidation (TBARS); intracellular GSH; AsS, iNOS, and NF-kB expressions; nitrite levels (Griess); mitochondrial membrane potential (TMRM); and antioxidant activity (DPPH). Analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post hoc test were calculated for statistical comparisons. Pre-treatment with both BPPs significantly reduced cell death induced by H2O2, but BPP-10c showed higher protective capacity than BPP-12b. LMMF pretreatment was unable to prevent the reduction of cell viability caused by H2O2. The neuroprotective mechanism of BPP-10c against oxidative stress was investigated. BPP-10c reduced ROS generation and lipid peroxidation in relation to cells treated only with H2O2. BBP-10c increased AsS expression and was not neuroprotective in the presence of MDLA, a specific inhibitor of AsS. BPP-10c reduced iNOS expression and nitrate levels but decreased NF-kB expression. Furthermore, BPP-10c protected the mitochondrial membrane against oxidation. Overall, we demonstrated for the first time neuroprotective mechanisms of BPPs against oxidative stress, opening new perspectives to the study and application of these peptides for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samyr Machado Querobino
- Natural and Humanities Sciences Center, Experimental Morphophysiology Laboratory Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Rua Arcturus, n° 03, Bloco Delta, São Bernardo do Campo, 09606-070, SP, Brazil
| | - César Augusto João Ribeiro
- Natural and Humanities Sciences Center, Experimental Morphophysiology Laboratory Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Rua Arcturus, n° 03, Bloco Delta, São Bernardo do Campo, 09606-070, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos Alberto-Silva
- Natural and Humanities Sciences Center, Experimental Morphophysiology Laboratory Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Rua Arcturus, n° 03, Bloco Delta, São Bernardo do Campo, 09606-070, SP, Brazil.
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Neuroprotective property of low molecular weight fraction from B. jararaca snake venom in H 2 O 2 -induced cytotoxicity in cultured hippocampal cells. Toxicon 2017; 129:134-143. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors of Bothrops jararaca snake venom affect the structure of mice seminiferous epithelium. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2015; 21:27. [PMID: 26244047 PMCID: PMC4524108 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-015-0030-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Considering the similarity between the testis-specific isoform of angiotensin-converting enzyme and the C-terminal catalytic domain of somatic ACE as well as the structural and functional variability of its natural inhibitors, known as bradykinin-potentiating peptides (BPPs), the effects of different synthetic peptides, BPP-10c (<ENWPHQIPP), BPP-11e (<EARPPHPPIPP), BPP-AP (<EARPPHPPIPPAP) and captopril were evaluated in the seminiferous epithelium of male mice. Methods The adult animals received either one of the synthetic peptides or captopril (120 nmol/dose per testis) via injection into the testicular parenchyma. After seven days, the mice were sacrificed, and the testes were collected for histopathological evaluation. Results BPP-10c and BPP-AP showed an intense disruption of the epithelium, presence of atypical multinucleated cells in the lumen and high degree of seminiferous tubule degeneration, especially in BPP-AP-treated animals. In addition, both synthetic peptides led to a significant reduction in the number of spermatocytes and round spermatids in stages I, V and VII/VIII of the seminiferous cycle, thickness of the seminiferous epithelium and diameter of the seminiferous tubule lumen. Interestingly, no morphological or morphometric alterations were observed in animals treated with captopril or BPP-11e. Conclusions The major finding of the present study was that the demonstrated effects of BPP-10c and BPP-AP on the seminiferous epithelium are dependent on their primary structure and cannot be extrapolated to other BPPs.
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Campeiro JD, Neshich IP, Sant’Anna OA, Lopes R, Ianzer D, Assakura MT, Neshich G, Hayashi MA. Identification of snake bradykinin-potentiating peptides (BPPs)-simile sequences in rat brain – Potential BPP-like precursor protein? Biochem Pharmacol 2015; 96:202-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2015.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Canteros MG. D-Arginine as a neuroprotective amino acid: promising outcomes for neurological diseases. Drug Discov Today 2013; 19:627-36. [PMID: 24252866 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2013.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2013] [Revised: 11/08/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In humans, as in other mammals, endogenous glucocorticoids (GCs) are essential for adapting to physiological life stress. They are also crucial for the healthy development of the fetus. However, when the physiological concentrations of GCs increase over a long period of time, the central nervous system (CNS) is predisposed to the development of psychiatric disorders and neurological diseases. Here, I discuss the strong influence of GCs on the nitric oxide (NO) pathway and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). I also highlight supporting evidence for the neuroprotective actions of d-arginine (d-Arg) against neurotoxicity induced by high levels of GCs in the CNS. Given that d-Arg does not interfere with the immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects of GCs, this might be a novel way of neutralizing the neurotoxic effects of GCs in the CNS without compromising their positive peripheral actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Griselda Canteros
- National University of Northeast, School of Medicine, Department of Biophysics, Corrientes 3400, Argentina.
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Gilio JM, Portaro FC, Borella MI, Lameu C, Camargo AC, Alberto-Silva C. A bradykinin-potentiating peptide (BPP-10c) from Bothrops jararaca induces changes in seminiferous tubules. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2013; 19:28. [PMID: 24195771 PMCID: PMC4176135 DOI: 10.1186/1678-9199-19-28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2013] [Accepted: 10/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The testis-specific isoform of angiotensin-converting enzyme (tACE) is exclusively expressed in germ cells during spermatogenesis. Although the exact role of tACE in male fertility is unknown, it clearly plays a critical function in spermatogenesis. The dipeptidase domain of tACE is identical to the C-terminal catalytic domain of somatic ACE (sACE). Bradykinin potentiating peptides (BPPs) from snake venoms are the first natural sACE inhibitors described and their structure–activity relationship studies were the basis for the development of antihypertensive drugs such as captopril. In recent years, it has been showed that a number of BPPs – including BPP-10c – are able to distinguish between the N- and C-active sites of sACE, what is not applicable to captopril. Considering the similarity between tACE and sACE (and since BPPs are able to distinguish between the two active sites of sACE), the effects of the BPP-10c and captopril on the structure and function of the seminiferous epithelium were characterized in the present study. BPP-10c and captopril were administered in male Swiss mice by intraperitoneal injection (4.7 μmol/kg for 15 days) and histological sections of testes were analyzed. Classification of seminiferous tubules and stage analysis were carried out for quantitative evaluation of germ cells of the seminiferous epithelium. The blood-testis barrier (BTB) permeability and distribution of claudin-1 in the seminiferous epithelium were analyzed by hypertonic fixative method and immunohistochemical analyses of testes, respectively. Results The morphology of seminiferous tubules from animals treated with BPP-10c showed an intense disruption of the epithelium, presence of atypical multinucleated cells in the lumen and degenerated germ cells in the adluminal compartment. BPP-10c led to an increase in the number of round spermatids and total support capacity of Sertoli cell in stages I, V, VII/VIII of the seminiferous epithelium cycle, without affecting BTB permeability and the distribution of claudin-1 in the seminiferous epithelium. Interestingly, no morphological or morphometric alterations were observed in animals treated with captopril. Conclusions The major finding of the present study was that BPP-10c, and not captopril, modifies spermatogenesis by causing hyperplasia of round spermatids in stages I, V, and VII/VIII of the spermatogenic cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Carlos Alberto-Silva
- Natural and Human Sciences Center (CCNH), Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Santo André, São Paulo State, Brazil.
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Morais KLP, Ianzer D, Miranda JRR, Melo RL, Guerreiro JR, Santos RAS, Ulrich H, Lameu C. Proline rich-oligopeptides: diverse mechanisms for antihypertensive action. Peptides 2013; 48:124-33. [PMID: 23933300 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2013.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Revised: 07/12/2013] [Accepted: 07/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Bradykinin-potentiating peptides from Bothrops jararaca (Bj) discovered in the early 1960s, were the first natural inhibitors of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). These peptides belong to a large family of snake venom proline-rich oligopeptides (PROs). One of these peptides, Bj-PRO-9a, was essential for defining ACE as effective drug target and development of captopril, an active site-directed inhibitor of ACE used worldwide for the treatment of human arterial hypertension. Recent experimental evidences demonstrated that cardiovascular effects exerted by different Bj-PROs are due to distinct mechanisms besides of ACE inhibition. In the present work, we have investigated the cardiovascular actions of four Bj-PROs, namely Bj-PRO-9a, -11e, -12b and -13a. Bj-PRO-9a acts upon ACE and BK activities to promote blood pressure reduction. Although the others Bj-PROs are also able to inhibit the ACE activity and to potentiate the BK effects, our results indicate that antihypertensive effect evoked by them involve new mechanisms. Bj-PRO-11e and Bj-PRO-12b involves induction of [Ca(2+)]i transients by so far unknown receptor proteins. Moreover, we have suggested argininosuccinate synthetase and M3 muscarinic receptor as targets for cardiovascular effects elicited by Bj-PRO-13a. In summary, the herein reported results provide evidence that Bj-PRO-mediated effects are not restricted to ACE inhibition or potentiation of BK-induced effects and suggest different actions for each peptide for promoting arterial pressure reduction. The present study reveals the complexity of the effects exerted by Bj-PROs for cardiovascular control, opening avenues for the better understanding of blood pressure regulation and for the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia L P Morais
- Laboratório Especial de Toxinologia Aplicada (LETA/CAT-Cepid), Instituto Butantan, SP, Brazil; Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Bradykinin-potentiating peptides: Beyond captopril. Toxicon 2012; 59:516-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2011.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2010] [Accepted: 07/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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